See how the Richmond Virginia Temple’s design details its purpose
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened the doors to its new Richmond Virginia Temple, allowing media, community members and the general public a rare look inside the first house of the Lord in the state of Virginia.
In conjunction with the Monday, March 20, media day conducted at the temple, the Church released interior and exterior images of the temple and video speaking about the temple, its design and — most importantly — its purpose and meaning to Latter-day Saints who enter to be instructed and to participate in sacred ordinances in making covenants with God.
The celestial room of the Richmond Virginia Temple is designed to be a tranquil respite that represents the progression toward Heavenly Father’s presence. The influence of Jeffersonian architecture, popular throughout Virginia, can be found in the décor and design cues of the temple as evidenced in the celestial room.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“A temple is a symbol,” said Elder Kevin R. Duncan, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Temple Department. “Wherever one is, it’s a symbol that Jesus Christ is there. Inside, we learn about who we are and our eternal potential. We learn about what Heavenly Father really has in store for us if we follow Jesus Christ — and that only in and through Jesus Christ can we return to our Heavenly Father.”
Everything built into the temple has one purpose, added Richmond temple project manager Dan Holt: “To bring us closer to our Savior, to help remind us of our relationship with Him and the importance of coming to the temple to improve, to progress and grow closer to our Savior and our Heavenly Father.”
The photos and video were published Monday, March 20, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
